obituaries

Dec 2, 2025

Kathleen "Kay" Rae Ruchti (née Gallagher), a life-long resident of Hobart, IN, died on December 2, 2025, at the age of 88.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Frederick "Fritz" L. Ruchti, III; daughter Becky (Chip) Ruchti-Greenberg; grandchildren Kay (Justin) Tennison, Megan (Christian) Hayden, Justin (Laura) Paris, and Amanda (Leon) Hein; great-grandchildren Jacob, Noah, Ammerie, Cullen,...

Nov 30, 2025

Betty A. Smith (nee Walker), age 93, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025. She was born on October 22, 1932, in Gibson County, Tennessee to the late Lester and Ola Lee Walker. Betty was a school bus driver in Hammond and Gary since 1969. She was a member of Liverpool Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed going to Las Vegas, woodworking...

Nov 30, 2025

Jeralyn Marie Regan, age 70, of Hebron passed away November 30, 2025, in Crown Point. She was born on December 27, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Howard and Florence (Sikirica) Rehn. Jeralyn worked as a housekeeper for several local nursing homes. She loved her family dearly and will be missed.

She is survived by her...

Nov 29, 2025

Janice S. Sausman

Age 88 passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025. She was born on November 19, 1937, in Gary, Indiana to the late Anthony E. and Sigrid A. (nee Matson) Zula. Janice married the love of her life Terry D. Sausman at St. Frances Church in Lake Station. Janice was a devoted and hardworking woman who...

Nov 29, 2025

Angela Camille Marr Howe, was born February 4, 1979, to Willie James Marr, Sr. and Rosetta Marr at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois. Angela was united in holy matrimony to Verria Howe II on October 15, 2015. To this union, a puppy named Poopie joined. Angela accepted Christ into her life at a young age and continued to...

Nov 27, 2025

Lester F. Detterline, age 95, of Deltona, Florida—formerly of Hobart, Indiana—passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Les was born on November 13, 1930, in Hobart, Indiana, to the late Cyrus and Loretta (Born) Detterline. He graduated from Hobart High School in 1949.

Les proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd...

Nov 26, 2025

Austin Matthew Palmateer, age 24, passed away suddenly Wednesday November 26, 2025, the tragic result of a car accident. Austin was born October 23, 2001, in Valparaiso, Indiana to Terry and Jennifer (Richardson) Palmateer, Jr. He worked as a cook at Coopers Hawk Restaurant. Austin was a lifelong northwest Indiana resident. He enjoyed playing football and wagering on football...

Nov 26, 2025

Bonnie Lou Tompkins, (nee Deliman) age 77, of Hobart, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025.  She was born on September 17, 1948, in Gary, Indiana to the late George and Nina Mae Deliman.  She was a longtime former Miller/Gary resident. Bonnie worked at numerous restaurants over the years including, Miller Pizza, the Stepping Stone, and McDuffy's.  She also worked...

Nov 25, 2025

Darlyne Kathryn (Andrews) Coffman (January 20, 1935 – November 25, 2025)

Darlyne Kathryn Coffman was born to Kathryn (Tabaka) and Walter Andrews in Outing, Minnesota, on January 20, 1935. She graduated from Remer High School in 1952. While George Coffman and his family were vacationing in Minnesota, Darlyne met the love of her life. They were married...

Nov 23, 2025

A Life of Dedication and Community Service

We sadly announce the passing of Joseph Matthew Mrak, born April 2, 1926, in Gary, Indiana. He was a first-generation American, born of Croatian immigrant parents Anton and Marica (Haraminac) Mrak.

"Joe" was a devoted educator, business owner, community leader, and beloved family member.

A proud...

Nov 21, 2025

Tina M. Wilson, age 69, a longtime Hobart resident, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025.  She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 29, 1956.  Tina enjoyed bowling in leagues, music, going to concerts, and watching movies.

She is survived by three daughters, Toni (Jeff) Fugate of Crown Point, IN; Ashlee (Tom) Hazard of Hobart, IN; Cydnee...

Nov 19, 2025

Florence "Miss Jolly" Jolly, age 84, of Gary, Indiana, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Born and raised in Gary, Miss Jolly was a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School.  She spent her career working with Arthur Winer and later with Truck Stops of America, where she was known for her strong work ethic and warm, approachable spirit.  ...

Nov 15, 2025

Ricardo G. Vizcarra

Age 73 of Portage passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St Mary's Medical Center in Hobart. He was born on January 2, 1952, in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. On September 30, 1972, Ricardo married the love of his life Eloisa Guerrero in Mexico. He was a retired employee of the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad,...

Nov 15, 2025

Julie Dolato February 15, 1960 – November 15, 2025

Julie Dolato passed away peacefully on the evening of November 15, 2025. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Sara Stafford; her grandson, Adam Tolin; and her granddaughters, Emma Hurley and Ava McKinney. She is also survived by her siblings Paula (Rick) Burmeister, Denise (Douglas Sr.) Barnes, and Joe...

Nov 14, 2025

BONNIE (WAYTE) BALLANTYNE DIED NOVEMBER 14, 2025, BORN APRIL 18, 1932, IN GARY IN TO RICHARD AND GRACE (BARKER) WAYTE.  SHE MARRIED JOHN K. BALLANTYNE ON OCTOBER 19, 1957, AND THEY WERE MARRIED FOR 61 YEARS AND HE PRECEDES HER IN DEATH.

BONNIE HAD 4 BROTHERS; JIM, BUCK, AL AND DICK AND 3 SISTERS; MAY, VIRGE AND...

Nov 14, 2025

Edward A. Babich, age 76 of Portage, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at home. He was born on November 28, 1948, in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Thomas and Ann Babich. Ed was a member of the United Steelworkers Union Local #1066 and retired from US Steel where he worked as a Millwright. He was a dedicated...

Nov 13, 2025

Kimberly L. Fazekas

Age 63, of Lake Station passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025, at St. Mary Medical Center. She was born on April 26,1962 in Gary, Indiana to Daniel and Anne (nee Plummer) Dybalski. Kimberly was a loving and giving soul who always put others before herself. Thoughtful in every way, she had a special gift...

Nov 13, 2025

Jesus Anthony "Jesse" Pedroza, Sr., age 64, of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025 while surrounded by his family. He was born on November 20, 1960 to the late Joe and Delia Pedroza. He graduated from River Forest High School and then proudly served in the US Army. He was married to Milta Pedroza on July 31, 1982,...

Nov 11, 2025

Ruby Pearl Sundmacher Foster passed away November 11, 2025, at the age of 101 years old. She was born on January 7, 1924. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Most of all she was a devoted follower and servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ. She was born in Harco, Illinois to her parents, Ruby and...

Nov 9, 2025

Violet Jean Kolczak, age 88, of Hobart passed away Sunday November 9, 2025, at St Mary Medical Center. She was born September 1, 1937, in Gary, Indiana to the late Henry Oscar and Daisie Irene (Hoskinson) Wineinger. She Retired from NIPSCO as an office worker. Violet was a homemaker and loving wife.

Violet is survived by her...